Patient Choice Award nominations open to recognise colleagues who made a difference

Do you know someone at York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust who made a real difference to you or a loved one through their kindness, compassion or dedication?

York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is inviting patients, families and carers to nominate an individual or team for the Patient Choice Award as part of its Celebration of Achievement Awards 2026.

The award recognises colleagues who have made a lasting difference through the care they provided, whether through exceptional compassion, professionalism, or by going above and beyond during what may have been a difficult time.

Chief Executive of York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Clare Smith, said: "Working in the NHS is a privilege, but we also know that healthcare isn't always straightforward. People often come to us at some of the most difficult moments in their lives.

"What consistently inspires me is the dedication and compassion shown by colleagues who do everything they can to support patients and families through those moments. Whether it's taking extra time to listen, showing kindness when it's needed most, or finding a way to make someone's experience a little easier, those actions can leave a lasting impression.

"Since joining the Trust, I've seen countless examples of colleagues going above and beyond to provide the very best care they can, often in incredibly challenging circumstances.

“The Patient Choice Award is an opportunity for patients and families to recognise those individuals and teams whose expertise, compassion, professionalism and commitment made a real difference to them."

Last year's joint winners were Rhys Standfield, Palliative Care Educational Lead, and Christina Winkfield, Palliative Care Nurse, both based at Scarborough Hospital.

They were nominated by Alison Atkinson, who also works for the Trust and is a Midwife Support Worker at Malton Hospital, for the care they gave to her husband at the end of his life.

Rhys and Christina received the award in recognition of the kindness, compassion and thoughtfulness they showed to Alison and her family during an incredibly difficult time, exemplifying the Trust's values in action.

Since her win, Christiana has moved on from the Trust and is now a community palliative care clinical nurse specialist at St Catherine's Hospice in Scarborough. 

Alison said: “Rhys showed nothing but kindness and compassion, made sure we were all comfortable staying on the ward, and helped us with decisions that we struggled to make ourselves.

“Christina was there on my husband’s last day when he was particularly struggling. She went above and beyond, liaising with the hospice to make sure my husband wasn't suffering.”

In a thoughtful gesture, Rhys and Christina also wrote to Leeds United Football Club, his favourite team, explaining that he was a lifelong supporter. The club sent a selection of gifts to Scarborough Hospital.

If a member of staff or team at the Trust made a real difference to you or someone you love, we'd encourage you to nominate them for this year's Patient Choice Award.  Your nomination is a chance to recognise the care, kindness and dedication that meant so much to you and to thank those who made a difficult time a little easier.

Nominations are open until 31 July 2026. To submit a nomination, visit the Trust website and complete the Celebration of Achievement Awards nomination form.

The winner of this year's Patient Choice Award will be announced at the Trust's Celebration of Achievement Awards at York Racecourse in October.

06 July 2026